Barcelona having doubts about signing a centre-back reinforcement in January | OneFootball

Andreas Christensen’s injury last week came as a concerning blow for FC Barcelona, with the Danish centre-back now expected to be out of action for four months.

That, coupled with Ronald Araujo’s absence due to mental health reasons, leaves Barça light in the centre-back department.

Even though Araujo is expected to come back after the Christmas break, question marks remain over the level he will show upon his return.

And, Eric Garcia has been preferred in the defensive midfield role more and more by manager Hansi Flick.

As a result, Barça must find a way to fill the gap in the centre-back department when the season resumes. The possibility of making a new signing, thus, is being considered by the reigning champions of Spain.

Barcelona not convinced by options in the market

However, according to MARCA, Barcelona are having serious doubts about entering the market for centre-back reinforcements in January.

No definitive decision has yet been taken by the Blaugrana, but at present the feeling is that the market does not offer convincing options.

Out for four months. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The Catalans would be able to register a new player if Christensen’s injury exceeds four months on the sidelines.

Barcelona would have time until the close of the winter transfer window, taking into account the deadlines for submitting the case to La Liga’s Medical Commission and the 20 days following that commission’s report.

In that scenario, the club would be able to use 80 per cent of the player’s salary space to register any new signing that they do make in January.

But, as things stand, it is clear that if Barcelona decide to sign a centre-back in January, they will not rush into it, mainly because the options currently available on the market do not fully convince either the sporting management or Flick.

However, they will monitor how events unfold over the coming weeks, especially Araujo’s recovery.